A hydromorphone treatment trial is being planned for Flinders Street Health in Melbourne.
The trial will provide another treatment option for a small number of adults with severe opioid dependence. It will be for people who have not benefited from other available treatments.
The trial is still being designed and is not yet operating. More information will be shared before it begins.
What is hydromorphone?
Hydromorphone is an opioid dependence treatment delivered in supervised clinical settings. It is as an alternative to other opioid treatments, like methadone and buprenorphine.
Hydromorphone treatment has been used for over ten years in Canada, and similar programs have been used successfully in Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.
Research has shown hydromorphone treatment can help people reduce their illicit drug use and improve their health and social outcomes.
Do people 'get high' from hydromorphone?
No. Like other opioid dependence treatments, hydromorphone treatment programs involve identifying a safe and effective dose of medication to prevent opioid withdrawal symptoms, alongside other supports that will help participants benefit fully from the treatment.
Where do people get hydromorphone?
Hydromorphone is not currently available as a standard opioid dependence treatment in Victoria. Planning for a Victorian-first hydromorphone clinical implementation trial is currently underway. It is not expected to be operational for a few months.
The time-limited hydromorphone clinical implementation trial will be hosted at Flinders Street Health. It will be for a small number of eligible participants who have not benefited from existing treatment options.
The trial is not part of the health service offering. The trial will be delivered through a partnership between cohealth and a tertiary health service.
Will everyone who uses Flinders Street Health be able to access hydromorphone?
No. When operational, the hydromorphone trial will be limited to a small number of eligible participants who meet specific clinical trial eligibility criteria.
Flinders Street Health will provide health and social support services for people experiencing complex needs, including but not limited to alcohol and other drug support.
Who can participate in the trial?
The trial will be for adults with severe opioid dependence who have not benefited from available treatment options.
Participation will be voluntary and based on clinical assessment. Further details will be shared as they become available.
Are people released onto the street intoxicated after getting their dose?
No. Hydromorphone treatment will be delivered in a supervised clinical setting, with each participant monitored closely.
Will the hydromorphone clinical implementation trial be a second injecting room?
No. Hydromorphone treatment is not a medically supervised injecting service.
Will Flinders Street Health or the hydromorphone trial increase drug harms or antisocial behaviour in the CBD?
No. Flinders Street Health is designed to support people who are already in Melbourne’s CBD and experiencing complex health and social challenges by connecting them to coordinated health and social support earlier and more easily.
The service does not permit illicit drug consumption on site or in the immediate vicinity. Staff will communicate and reinforce behavioural expectations, and the service model is designed to support purposeful engagement with care rather than prolonged stays or gathering around the site.
Flinders Street Health will include internal reception and waiting areas to minimise impacts on surrounding public spaces. Outreach teams will also help connect people with support and reduce barriers to accessing care.
cohealth will work with the Department of Health, City of Melbourne, Victoria Police and other local services to monitor safety and amenity, respond to concerns and support positive outcomes for the community.
When will the hydromorphone clinical trial start? Who will deliver the service?
The trial is still being designed. It is not expected to be operational for a few months.
Over the coming months there will be a process to select the tertiary partner and finalise how the trial will operate. More information will be shared through formal trial communications as it is available.
Contact and support
General enquiries about Flinders Street Health
getintouch@cohealth.org.au or 1800 495 434.
Construction-related enquiries
Immediate health, welfare or outreach support
If someone requires immediate health, welfare or outreach support, call cohealth Outreach Team on 0438 359 273.
Alcohol and other drug support and advice
Call DirectLine on 1800 888 236.
Emergencies or criminal behaviour
Call 000.
Flinders Street Health
For current information about Flinders Street Health and opportunities to tour the facility, see Flinders Street Health or the cohealth websites
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